How it works.

Applications.

Oct - Dec 2025

University students form teams of 4 with support from an academic mentor.

They apply online by answering 3 questions with 500-word responses, on themes related to the main competition.

Downselection.

Early Jan 2026

Teams find out if they have made it through the application stage and which Regional Qualifier they will be competing in.

Regionals Preparation.

Jan - Feb 2026

One month before the Regional Qualifiers, Scenario Stage 1 is sent to teams. They have one month to prepare their 2-page Briefing Note & 10-minute Briefing, responding to the situation outlined in the scenario.

With the help of our supporters, we run workshops to help teams develop their skills and prepare for the competition.

Regional Qualifiers.

Early Feb 2026

Taking place across the UK and online, teams compete for a place in the National Finals. They present their response to the scenario in Briefing Rounds to a panel of judges from across industry & government.

In each Briefing Round, judges have 2-minutes to read the team's Briefing Note which outlines the current situation. Teams then have 10-minutes to present their response options to the judges, before receiving 10-minutes of questions.

Finally, teams receive feedback from the judges to help with their career development.

Alongside the main competition, there are keynote speakers, workshops, a careers fair and networking to support students' career development.

The Regional Qualifiers are action-packed events brining together local government, industry and academia to support future cyber talent.

National Finals Preparation.

Feb - Mar 2026

The top 17 teams from across the Regional Qualifiers progress to the National Finals. They receive updates to the Scenario one-month prior to the National Finals event.

Again, with the help of our supporters, we run workshops to help teams develop their skills and prepare for the competition. These additional activities are open for all competitors, regardless of whether they are competing in the National Finals.

National Finals.

Mid Mar 2026

Taking place over 2-days at the iconic BT Tower in London, the top 17 teams from across the UK compete to be crowned champions.

There are 3 Briefing Rounds, following the same format as the Regional Qualifiers but with increasing time pressure as the scenario escalates.

In the Quarter Final Round (day 1), teams have one month to prepare. In the Semi-Final Round (morning of day 2), the 10 teams have overnight to prepare.

And, in the Grand Final Round, teams have only 15 minutes to prepare their response to the latest scenario updates before briefing a panel of VIP Judges live in the BT Tower auditorium.

Like the Regional Qualifiers, there are keynote speakers, workshops, a careers fair and networking taking place alongside the main competition.

We end each day with a Drinks Reception at the top of the BT Tower, taking in panoramic views of London and celebrating the teams' achievements.

Wrap-Up & Community.

Mar 2026 onwards

After the National Finals, we start to wrap-up for the competition year. Firstly, by providing a CV Window to all competitors - giving them the opportunity to apply for roles with our competition supporters.

Every competitor also receives an invite to the CLC Alumni Community, where they can connect with past competitors & competition supporters working in a variety of interesting cyber roles.

Interested?